Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Access Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves code changes to adopt NDOT access-management manual; commissioners seek clearer notice and appeal timelines
Summary
The Traffic & Parking Commission recommended approval of revised municipal code language to consolidate access-related requirements into an NDOT access management manual and approved deletion of specified code sections, while asking for clearer public-notice, appeal timing and safety clarifications.
The Metro Nashville Traffic & Parking Commission voted to recommend changes to municipal code chapter 13 that would consolidate access management rules into a new Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT) Access Management Manual.
NDOT staff presented the manual’s goals: to consolidate conflicting access-related language currently split between chapter 13 and chapter 17 of the municipal code, provide urban-context standards that reference — and do not conflict with — TDOT guidance for state-jurisdiction roads, and add a documented waiver and appeal process for applicants. Melissa Hayes of NDOT and Meredith King of Arcadis led the presentation and summarized standards for driveway spacing, corner clearance and multimodal design considerations for downtown garages and pedestrian safety.
Major provisions and administrative changes: Under the draft code changes presented to the commission, access-related text would be removed from multiple sections of the municipal code and incorporated in the NDOT Access Management Manual. The manual, as proposed, would give the NDOT director authority, with mayoral approval, to maintain and update the manual. NDOT staff said amendments to the manual would be published in advance and that applicants who seek alternative driveway configurations would submit an access-waiver form to NDOT before site-plan review; denials of waivers could be appealed to the Traffic & Parking Commission under the process described in the draft language.
Commissioner questions and concerns: Commissioners asked for clearer public-notice language and for explicit timeframes for waiver decisions and appeals. Several commissioners sought clarification about the difference between the manual’s corner-clearance and corner-visibility measurements, and whether the manual’s provisions would protect pedestrian safety at driveways and garage exits. Melissa Hayes said the manual includes downtown and multimodal design guidance that addresses pedestrian visibility at garage exits.
Procedural action: Following discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the proposed changes to Chapter 13 as presented; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The commission also asked NDOT to ensure the ordinance’s whereas clauses and public-notice text accurately reflect what the commission reviewed and that the department provide clear timelines for waiver and appeal steps.
Next steps: NDOT will continue the legislative process, publish the draft manual and supporting materials on its project webpage, and return as required by council and planning processes. NDOT staff said amendments to the manual would include a 30-day public-notice window before any amendment takes effect.
